The Painkuni Festival is one of the prominent annual festivals celebrated at the historic Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple, closely associated with the Royal Family of Travancore. Located in Thiruvananthapuram district, this iconic temple, with a history spanning centuries, holds a significant place in the cultural and spiritual heritage of the erstwhile princely state of Travancore.

The festival commences with the kodiyettu, the hoisting of the ceremonial flag, signaling the start of ten days of elaborate celebrations and rituals. Held during the months of March and April, Painkuni is marked by the installation of massive fiberglass figures of the Pandavas—the five sons of Pandu from the Indian epic Mahabharata—at the temple's eastern entrance. These figures are believed to propitiate Indra, the Rain God, as part of the festival's traditional practices.

Each day of the festival is characterized by special rituals and offerings. One of the highlights of Painkuni is the palli vetta (royal hunt) ritual, performed on the ninth day by the head of the Travancore Royal Family near the Vettakorumakan Temple in the Fort area. This ritual is a symbolic hunt, reflecting the royal traditions and customs that have been maintained through the ages.

The festival concludes with the aarattu procession, a grand event where the idols are taken to Shanghumugham Beach for ritual immersion in the sea. This procession is a spectacle of devotion and grandeur, with the male members of the Travancore Royal Family, including the king, escorting the deities. The sight of the royals participating in the procession adds a unique charm and historical continuity to the festival, making it a significant cultural event in Kerala.

The Painkuni Festival at Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple is a blend of spirituality, tradition, and royal heritage, drawing devotees and tourists alike to witness the grandeur and participate in the rich cultural rituals of this ancient temple.